Dr. Theora Evans' Obituary
Dr. Theora Anita Evans passed away peacefully on May 7, 2018 in Memphis, TN.Dr. Evans was born in Chicago, IL on September 11, 1945 to parents Theodore Evans and Lucille (Jackson) Evans.On August 31, 1961, she married Victor C. Dodd and the couple had four children – Victor, Theodore, Kimberly and Karetha. She taught each of her children, through her own shining example, that education and hard work were key to a successful life. More importantly, she taught them that honesty, generosity and empathy were indispensable to a meaningful life.In 1976, Dr. Evans received a Bachelor of Science in Experimental Psychology from Loyola University of Chicago. In 1978, she earned a Master’s Degree in Social Work from the same institution. In 1987, she earned her second Master’s Degree in Public Health from the University of Illinois at Chicago. In 1996, she earned a Doctorate Degree from the University of Minnesota, focusing on Philosophy in Social Work. Dr. Evans started her professional career as a Social Worker in Chicago, IL, but later discovered that training the next generation of social workers was her passion. She went on to hold faculty positions at the University of Iowa, University of Minnesota and University of Tennessee, where she retired in 2011 as Associate Dean of the College of Social Work.While Dr. Evans’ professional achievements were substantial, her personal triumphs are what defined her. She earned two of her graduate degrees as a single, working mother raising children. A two-time cancer survivor herself, she tragically endured the death of two of her children (Victor and Kimberly) during her lifetime, while showing the other two how to be their strongest when the unimaginable occurs. She was the face of bravery her entire life.Dr. Evans is survived by her children Ted Dodd and Karetha Dodd-Kavipurapu, her brothers Harold Evans and John Randolph, her son-in-law Gautam Kavipurapu and grandchildren Aditi and Ram, as well as a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends who will miss her dearly.A celebration of life with be held at 2:30 p.m., Saturday, May 19 at Memorial Park Funeral Home and Cemetery.Arrangements have been entrusted to Memorial Park Funeral Home and Cemetery, 5668 Poplar Ave., Memphis, TN 38119 (901) 767-8930. “Celebrating Life… Behind the Stone Wall”.
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